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Wiping my computer

Wiping my computer

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you must put the format command on your boot disk.

Fdisk and format are not the same. Fdisk creates partitions. format formats the partition so that the OS can use it. FAT, NTFS, etc...

you can find the format command on your Win98 CD or even on your PC just do a search for it then copy it to your floppy.

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Originally posted by Ringtailhunter
Thats a pretty good Idea.

I was playing around with old computers and installing linux in them. Became a pain in the butt and gave up on it. The old computers were just too slow and lacking usually some hardware that would cost more than free.
look for linux distros designed for older hardware.

like frugalware or vectorlinux, etc.

or tiny distros like insert, puppy, or damnsmalllinux.

i've only tried insert and DSL out of the above, tho. as rescue disks.

descriptions/reviews at www.distrowatch.com.

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why are you going back to 98? it's got zero support, doesn't it.

try linux.

or as you've got xp pro, try rolling back to an early system restore point, if those are on your system.

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are you still trying to install the operating system..? some of the advice on here is just dreadful, firstly, windows 98 wont recognise ntfs file systems, only fat and fat 32. you cannot format your drive from the commnd prompt because you're not in the right directory. i think by most chances your hard drive will be c:; type in cd c:

the command will now say c:> as opposed to a:> from there then type format c:

please note, fdisk is a partioning tool and not a formatting tool; if you want to partition your hard drive after you've formatted your drive run fdisk, to install 98 after you've formatting dont forget to change the boot sequence in the bios (press delete when you turn on the pc and you'll see it) good luck

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Originally posted by rooktakesqueen
are you still trying to install the operating system..? some of the advice on here is just dreadful, firstly, windows 98 wont recognise ntfs file systems, only fat and fat 32. you cannot format your drive from the commnd prompt because you're not in the right directory. i think by most chances your hard drive will be c:; type in cd c:

the command ...[text shortened]... boot sequence in the bios (press delete when you turn on the pc and you'll see it) good luck
your advise is pretty bad itself, first off you CANNOT format c drive from the C promt if that is the drive that the operating system is on.

and you dont use Fdisk after Formatting. you must create the partitions first then format.

and pressing delete when you turn on your PC will only work on some Mainboards to enter the BIOS.

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Originally posted by Hand of Hecate
Arrakis here to save the daaaay!!!!

You crack me up.
Maybe you could learn something... Naw, probably not. 😕

2 edits
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Originally posted by AThousandYoung
I have an old computer that's been disabled by viruses and has all kinds of crap on it. I want to wipe it clean and reinstall Windows. How do I do that? It currently has Windows 2000 Professional, and I've found my old Windows 98 CD and floppy disk. My mother and sister also have computers and I can probably get the Windows CDs from them.

How do I wipe the computer clean?
go to www.ubuntu.com download the latest version; burn it to a disk as an iso (use Deepburner if you don't have a program do to that with)

It's great for an older computer and the install is painless.

The CD will run the OS without using the harddrive until you install it... so even if your harddrive is toast the computer will work. It will partition and install the OS while you are running it from the CD.

Linux ftw

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Originally posted by zeeblebot
look for linux distros designed for older hardware.

like frugalware or vectorlinux, etc.

or tiny distros like insert, puppy, or damnsmalllinux.

i've only tried insert and DSL out of the above, tho. as rescue disks.

descriptions/reviews at www.distrowatch.com.
oops... I missed this post...

what he said ^^^

If it's too slow go to http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

your old POS computer will run like it's brand spanking new

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Just use a damp cloth.